Sydney Learns To Swim 244s3j

Copyright © 2012 by Beau Heidy. 122402-HEID

ISBN: Softcover 978-1-4797-3001-8 Hardcover 978-1-4797-3002-5 Ebook 978-1-4797-3003-2

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Sydney Learns To Swim

Beau Heidy

“I had a great walk at the lake today Dad.”

“I had a great day too, Sydney, but it is almost time to leave. I have to go back to work.”

“Already Dad? I want to play some more catch with ducky.”

“Sydney, you have been playing catch for nearly an hour.”

Sydney says, “One more time Dad, throw ducky high in the air, and I will catch him before he hits the ground.”

“Dad, can I cool down one more time before we leave?”

“Yes, Sydney, we have time for you to cool down.”

“Dad, I love it when I can get in the water and swim to cool down after I get too hot running.”

Dad tells Sydney, “You are not swimming because your feet are touching the bottom.”

Dad asks Sydney to grab ducky and come back out of the water.

Sydney tells Dad, “I can’t get ducky. The water is over my head!”

“Swim out and get ducky,” Dad tells Sydney.

Sydney wants Dad to teach her how to swim so she can get ducky. “Dad, please get ducky for me because I cannot swim.”

Dad can’t get ducky. He has to go to work and can’t wear wet clothes to work. “Oh no Dad, is ducky gone forever?” Sydney is sad. She loves ducky. Dad tells her, “I’m afraid he is. Don’t be sad Sydney. Tomorrow I will get you a life preserver jacket and teach you to swim.”

“So,” Sydney thinks, “This is a life preserver jacket. I’ve never worn one of these before.”

Joey wants to know where Sydney is going. Sydney says, “Your mom said I could use your swimming pool to learn how to swim. Can you show me where it is?”

Joey tells Sydney to follow him! Sydney can see the water sparkling in the sun. “I can see it Joey,” she yells!

Sydney is nervous. She hopes Dad is right and this vest helps her to swim.

Joey wants Sydney to feel better. He tells her, “It’s a small pool. Don’t be scared.” Sydney thinks it is too deep, and it scares her.”

Dad says, “I threw your red dog into the pool, go get it Sydney!”

Sydney is scared that if she keeps going, the water will be over her head! “Dad, I don’t want to do this.”

Dad thinks he will help Sydney so he picks her up and gently tosses her near her red dog. Sydney yells, “Dad, you threw me into the pool!” Dad knows Sydney can swim if she gets over her fear and tells her to get her red dog. Sydney is afraid and turns around to go back to Dad.

Dad tells Sydney, “Don’t kick so hard in the water. Go slow, and you will be able to see where you are going.”

Sydney hits the side of the pool. Dad tells her, “Go slow, and turn to the right.”

Sydney is glad to be out of the deep water. She tells Dad, “That was scary. I swallowed a bunch of water.”

Sydney tells Dad, “I was really scared! Please don’t ever make me do that again! I don’t want to put that vest on anymore.”

Now Sydney re red dog and is worried about him! She asks Dad how they will get him out of the pool.

Sydney knows Dad will know what to do. He tells her he will scoop red dog out with a long net. Sydney thinks Dad is the smartest Dad ever!

Dad asks Sydney to reach in and pull red dog out of the net.

Sydney asks Dad if he will get into the water with her to teach her how to swim. She tells him, “I won’t be so scared with you there.”

“Sydney, I’m sorry I can’t get into the pool with you today. It is time for me to weight train Joey’s mom.”

Dad asks Sydney to take red dog back to the car so she doesn’t forget him.

“Just keep trying Sydney. I was scared my first time too, but now I can swim great.”

On the way to the car, Sydney asks Joey how he learned to swim.

The next day Dad goes back to Joey’s swimming pool with Sydney. Dad tells Sydney today he will help her learn to swim. Sydney is still scared.

“Sydney, why are you crunching down and pulling away with your back legs? Come toward me, you know that you can trust me.”

“I know I can trust you, Dad. I’m afraid, but I’ll try.”

“I will pick you up and take you out to the center of the pool.”

Dad tells Sydney that he will keep one arm under her belly until she reaches the steps. “Sydney, don’t kick your feet so hard. Your paws do not need to come out of the water.” Sydney is scared, but she wants to be brave for Dad!

“I’m starting to feel better, Dad. I’m not as afraid as I was at the beginning of my lesson.”

“Sydney, that was a good first swim!”

Dad tells Sydney, “This time I will let you go on your own.”

Sydney now believes she can do it. Dad yells, “Sydney, look at your paws under the water. You are swimming so smoothly! I knew you could do it!”

Dad says, “There you did it Sydney! You are doing great. With a little more practice, you will be an excellent swimmer. I am very proud of you!”

“I did it Dad! I can swim, and it was so much fun!”

Dad tells Sydney, “I knew you could with practice and if you believed in yourself.”

“Dad, thanks so much for teaching me to swim and giving me the courage to keep trying. Anyone can learn new things if they believe in themselves and those they love.”